Chapter 26: Lingering Will - Part 1
As the two hedgehogs exited the now colourful hubs, they exchanged a small wave before meeting up with Leon and Yuffie, who were patiently waiting nearby.
"Great job, Sonic... I mean, Sonics," Yuffie said with a smile, her gaze shifting between the two hedgehogs.
"Another two adventures from your past and future saved—excellent work, guys," Leon added. His voice was stoic, but there was a note of admiration for the hard work the two Sonics had put in.
"A compliment from Leon?" Modern Sonic teased, nudging his Classic counterpart, who responded with a small, muted laugh. "Don't go getting soft on us, pal."
"Very amusing, Sonic," Leon replied, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. But his usual stoic demeanor quickly returned.
Yuffie turned her gaze towards the two hubs, now rich with life once more. Her attention was caught by the statues of Charmy and Aerith, their forms slowly regaining colour and vitality.
"Look!" Yuffie called out, pointing towards the hubs.
Modern Sonic, Classic Sonic, and Leon turned to see the colourless, lifeless statues of Charmy and Aerith beginning to lighten up.
Charmy was the first to break free from his frozen state. As his colour returned, the hyperactive bee looked around in awe before zipping upwards and flipping around mid-flight, reveling in his newfound freedom. He dropped back down, buzzing with excitement.
On the other side, Aerith blinked twice, then looked at her hands and around her. Her face was etched with confusion at first, but as her warm glow returned, so did her smile. She placed her hand on her chest, where her heart was, and looked gratefully towards her friends.
Charmy, buzzing with excitement, zipped around the group.
"I was so scared, but you saved me, Sonic! And now I'm a free bee! Free bee! Free bee!" He zipped around again, doing another joyous flip. "Weee!"
Aerith walked over to the group, her expression gentle and thankful.
"Thank you, Sonic," she said warmly, her eyes moving to Modern Sonic and then down to Classic Sonic. "I could feel the void—empty, cold, and I was alone. But now, thanks to you both, I'm alive again." She looked down at Classic Sonic with a tender smile. "I'm especially grateful to our young friend here."
Classic Sonic nodded and gave Aerith a thumbs up. He was happy to do his part.
Charmy suddenly halted in mid-air, his eyes wide with realisation.
"Hold up, there are two Sonics? That's so cool!" the young bee exclaimed.
"Yep, Charmy. This here is a younger version of me," Sonic explained. "He's from a time long before you and I met. He's helped save the past so that we can have a future."
Classic Sonic nodded to her older counter parts explanation.
"Whoa, that's awesome!" Charmy said with excitement. "It's like having double the speed, double the fun!"
"Exactly. And together, we've got a lot more work to do," Modern Sonic replied with a grin. "But first, we're glad you're both back with us."
"What happened exactly?" Aerith asked, eager to learn more. "The last thing I remember was being drawn into that powerful portal."
"Yeah," Charmy interjected. "Then, it was like lights out."
"You're in a place called White Space," Leon explained, turning to Aerith and Charmy. "It's a place where fragments of time and space are being pulled in, thanks to Terios."
"Terios?" Charmy questioned. "Say, is that the hedgehog that crashed Sonic's party?"
"That's the one," Modern Sonic confirmed. "He has the power to trap my past adventures, and, well, the future events for younger Sonic here."
Classic Sonic nodded in agreement.
"What about our friends?" Aerith asked, her tone filled with worry. "Are they okay?"
"Yeah!" Yuffie replied with a nod, placing her hands on her hips. "The Sonics have rescued pretty much everyone at the party, except for Cid."
"Cid is still missing?" Aerith asked, concern deepening in her voice.
"He'll be around somewhere," Leon assured her, crossing his arms. "Vector and Espio have gone to search for him."
"Oh, that's great to hear that Vector and Espio are alright too," Charmy chimed in, relieved.
"I think we should go look for them," Leon suggested. "We can explain more on the way."
"Okay," Aerith replied with a nod.
"Great!" Charmy added cheerfully.
Leon turned to the Sonics, his gaze full of purpose.
"They may have found another hub world to save," he said. "Best we get moving to find them."
"You bet," Modern Sonic replied with a nod. But then he looked around the group, a puzzled expression on his face. "Say, where did Tails and Tails go?"
Classic Sonic looked surprised and glanced around White Space. He placed his hand on top of his head, shading his eyes as if looking into the distance.
"Oh," Yuffie said, remembering. "They went off with a friend of yours, Sonic."
"Really? Who?" Modern Sonic asked.
Before anyone could respond, Modern and Classic Tails came rushing in, both looking frantic.
"Sonic!" Modern Tails gasped as he rushed in.
"Woah, Tails, where's the fire?" Modern Sonic asked, immediately on alert.
"Aq..Aqua!" Modern Tails panted, catching his breath. "Aqua is here in White Space!"
Modern Sonic's eyes widened in surprise.
"Aqua? Here? I thought she was still lost in the Realm of Darkness!" Modern Sonic said with disbelief.
Classic Sonic's eyes mirrored his older self's shock, his curiosity piqued.
"Your friend Shadow brought her back," Classic Tails said, jumping in. "She's been looking for someone in the castle and managed to find her way to White Space."
Modern Sonic was taken aback by this revelation. It was great to hear that Aqua had returned to the Realm of Light, and that Shadow had done his part. But why was she here, and why now?
"Really?" Modern Sonic exclaimed, still processing the news. "But why White Space?"
"She came looking for your help when you were in the hub," Modern Tails quickly explained.
"We took her around White Space while she waited for you," Classic Tails added, nodding in agreement. "We explained everything that's been happening here to her. But then, one of those time holes appeared, and a voice came through it, calling out to Aqua."
"A voice? From who?" Modern Sonic asked, his concern deepening.
Both Tails looked at each other before answering simultaneously, "Terra."
Everyone, except for Charmy, reacted with surprise and confusion.
"Wait, who's Terra?" Charmy asked, buzzing with curiosity.
"Terra is a friend of Aqua's from the past," Modern Sonic explained. "We don't know much about him, but if he's calling out from the past, it's probably Terios's doing to stall us."
"Is that how Terios operates?" Aerith asked, there was concern evident in her voice.
Leon nodded as he replied.
"Pretty much. But we don't have time to explain all the details right now."
Modern Tails agreed. He had urgency in his voice as he spoke.
"Sonic, we need your help to get her back. She walked into that time hole to investigate, but she's been gone too long."
With the situation becoming more urgent, Modern Sonic and Classic Sonic exchanged a glance. In that split second, they understood what needed to be done without saying a word. They nodded firmly, their faces set with determination. Modern Sonic turned to the group.
"Alright, I'll go with Tails to the time hole and bring Aqua back," Modern Sonic affirmed, his voice resolute.
He then gestured to Classic Sonic, who turned and folded his arms.
"Guys, take Mini Me and the younger Tails to go find Vector and Espio," Modern Sonic continued. "Smaller me can save Cid and whatever hub he's near."
Classic Sonic unfolded his arms, his expression full of fiery determination. He gestured to the group, pointing towards the depths of White Space as if to say, "Let's go!"
Yuffie gave a playful salute as she responded.
"You got it, Sonic! We'll make sure everything's covered here," she exclaimed.
Leon nodded, his voice steady.
"We'll find Cid and restore that hub. You focus on getting Aqua back safely," he affirmed.
Aerith smiled warmly at the Modern Sonic.
"Be careful out there, Sonic," she said softly.
"Always am," Modern Sonics replied with a smile.
With their tasks divided, the group split up. Modern Sonic, with both Modern Tails by his side, sped off towards the time hole, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. Meanwhile, Classic Sonic, Classic Tails, Leon, Yuffie, Aerith, and Charmy, headed deeper into White Space, determined to find Vector, Espio, and Cid, and to restore the next hub world.
Modern Sonic and Modern Tails soon arrived at the shimmering portal that had appeared within White Space. The portal pulsed with a strange energy, the wavering image of a desolate, barren landscape visible through it. Modern Tails gazed at the portal with uncertainty.
"Aqua called it the Keyblade Graveyard," Tails remarked, a hint of confusion in his voice. "But I've never heard of a place like that before."
Sonic looked at the image of the badlands inside the portal, his face furrowed in thought.
"Me neither, Tails," he admitted, his voice tinged with concern. "But Aqua needs my help."
Modern Tails glanced at the portal again, then back at Sonic.
"Do you think it's safe?" he asked worryingly.
Modern Sonic gave his friend a small smile.
"Has any of this adventure been safe, buddy?"
"True," Modern Tails replied, managing a small chuckle. "But be careful, Sonic. It could be a trap."
Modern Sonic nodded, aware of the risks.
"I know, but Aqua is someone special to me," Sonic explained. "Even though our time together was short in the Realm of Darkness, there was a connection there. And if Shadow got her out of trouble, he would destroy me if something were to happen to her."
Modern Tails looked at his best friend with a mixture of pride and worry.
"Okay, be careful, Sonic. I'll wait here for you," he remarked.
Modern Sonic gave him a reassuring nod before turning to face the portal. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever awaited him on the other side. Then, with a determined stride, he slowly walked into the shimmering portal, the image of the Keyblade Graveyard growing clearer as he crossed the threshold.
The last thing Modern Tails saw before Sonic disappeared into the portal was the unwavering determination in his friend's green eyes, a reminder of the bond they shared and the lengths Sonic would go to protect those he cared about.
The Keyblade Graveyard
The air was thick with tension as Aqua stood in the barren wasteland of the Keyblade Graveyard, her black Organization coat billowing slightly in the harsh wind. The sky above was a swirling mass of dark clouds, the atmosphere oppressive and foreboding. Aqua's blue eyes were fixed on the armored figure before her, the Lingering Will, who remained kneeling, his massive Keyblade thrust into the ground before him.
The Lingering Will was a formidable sight—it's golden armour gleaming dully in the faint light, the red prongs on either side of their helmet jutting upwards like horns. Its hands were firmly clasped around the handle of his Keyblade, Ends of the Earth, the blade itself embedded in the dry, cracked earth beneath them. The cape draped across it's back was gold on the outside, black on the inside, a stark contrast that only added to their imposing presence.
Aqua took a hesitant step forward, her voice trembling with emotion.
"It's me, Terra… It's Aqua."
The Lingering Will remained unmoving, its posture rigid. For a moment, Aqua thought he hadn't heard her, but then its helmeted head tilted slightly, just enough to acknowledge her presence.
But there was no warmth in their response. No recognition. The Lingering Will's voice, though mechanical and devoid of emotion, carried a weight that pierced through Aqua.
"Aqua… but not the Aqua I knew."
Aqua's breath caught in her throat, her hand instinctively clutching at her chest.
"What do you mean? I'm right here, Terra. It's me…" she remarked, her emotions welling up.
The Lingering Will slowly rose from their kneeling position, pulling the Keyblade from the ground with a grinding sound that echoed through the empty battlefield. Their stance was one of wariness, its guard raised.
"Your heart… I do not feel it. The light I once knew is tainted. You are not the Aqua I remember."
"Terra, no… It's me," Aqua pleaded. "I'm here. I've been through so much, but I found my way back—"
But the Lingering Will cut her off, their tone unwavering, dispassionate.
"You are an imposter. An agent of darkness. Xehanort's influence still lingers, even after all this time."
The mention of Xehanort sent a shiver down Aqua's spine. She shook her head vehemently, trying to refute the accusation.
"No! I'm not—Terra, please, listen to me!"
But the Lingering Will was unmoved. Their focus on her was intense, and yet there was a tragic detachment in its stance, as if they were caught between the remnants of the past and the cold, unyielding reality before him.
"I am what is left to protect Aqua and Ven," the Lingering Will intoned, its grip tightening on their Keyblade. "I cannot allow any threat to come near them. You carry the scent of darkness. I must eliminate you to keep them safe."
"Please, Terra… I'm not your enemy," Aqua pleaded, her voice breaking.
But the Lingering Will raised its Keyblade, the blade gleaming ominously in the stormy light.
"I cannot take that risk. I must protect them, even if it means destroying you."
Before Aqua could respond, the sound of rapid footsteps echoed through the graveyard.
"Aqua!"
The voice cut through the tension like a beacon, and Aqua turned to see Modern Sonic rushing towards them, his expression one of determination and concern as he skidded to a stop.
"Sonic!" Aqua exclaimed, her emotions swirling as she saw her friend again, relief and fear mingling in her voice.
"Are you alright?" Sonic asked, his eyes scanning her for any sign of injury.
"I'm fine," Aqua replied with a nod, though her gaze quickly moved back to the Lingering Will. "But Terra… something is wrong with him."
Sonic's eyes followed hers, locking onto the imposing figure of the Lingering Will. He could sense the tension in the air, the silent storm brewing within the armored warrior. Sonic took a deep breath and stepped forward, trying to bridge the gap between them.
"Listen, you don't know me," Sonic began, his voice calm but firm. "But this isn't what you think. This is Terios's doing—a pawn of the Organization, manipulating everything to throw us off course."
The Lingering Will remained silent for a moment, its stance unyielding as they processed Sonic's words. But then, slowly, it shook his head, their voice cold and detached.
"You remind me of another… another hedgehog who claimed to know what was right… and failed."
Sonic frowned, realising the reference as he replied.
"Silver… You're talking about Silver, right?"
The Lingering Will's grip on its Keyblade tightened, their posture growing even more rigid.
"Silver was misguided, driven by fear and uncertainty. He endangered those I was meant to protect. You are no different… a threat that must be eliminated."
Aqua stepped forward, her voice urgent.
"Terra, please, listen!" she pleaded. "Silver tried to help us in the end. He wasn't our enemy, and neither is Sonic."
But the Lingering Will wasn't swayed. Their voice was resolute, devoid of emotion.
"Words do not change the outcome. I am here to protect them… from anything and anyone who would bring them harm. You carry the scent of darkness, both of you. I cannot trust you."
"I don't want to fight you," Sonic said, his voice steady but strained. "But I won't let you hurt Aqua. We're not your enemies."
The Lingering Will remained unmoved, their Keyblade still at the ready.
"If you will not leave, then I have no choice. I must fulfill my duty."
The tension in the air was palpable as Sonic and the Lingering Will stood at an impasse, the stormy skies above mirroring the conflict below. Aqua looked between them, her emotions aching with the realisation that a battle might be inevitable.
"Sonic," Aqua said, her voice filled with both resolve and sadness. "Be careful… He's not the Terra I know. Not anymore."
Sonic nodded, his eyes never leaving the Lingering Will.
"I know, Aqua. But we'll get through this. I promise."
As the winds of the Keyblade Graveyard howled around them, the battle between the past and present was about to unfold.
Aqua stepped forward, her expression firming with determination. With a graceful motion, she summoned her Keyblade—Brightcrest. The weapon appeared in her hand with a flash of light, its design elegant and powerful. The Keyblade's shaft flowed like cresting waves, the teeth resembling the foaming tips of the ocean. At the top of the shaft, Aqua's Wayfinder rested within a black circle, surrounded by the swirling water design. The hilt bore two heart-shaped openings, and the ivory handle gleamed with a soft luminescence, the Keychain swaying gently in the wind.
Sonic's gaze shifted to Aqua's new Keyblade, and he couldn't help but nod in approval. He could sense the power emanating from it, a reflection of Aqua's strength and resolve.
The Lingering Will's helmeted head tilted slightly as if assessing the situation one last time. Their grip on Ends of the Earth tightened, and its voice, cold and resolute, echoed through the graveyard.
"If you insist on defying fate, then you shall be swept away by the sands of time. I will protect them, even if it means annihilating everything that stands in my way."
Lingering Will
Battle Music: Rage Awakened - Kingdom Hearts II
Lingering Will wasted no time as they advanced towards Sonic and Aqua. With a swift, powerful motion, they swung their massive Keyblade in a wide arc, the force of the attack sending a shockwave through the air.
"Look out!" Aqua shouted, raising Brightcrest and casting Renewal Barrier just in time to deflect the blow.
The impact of the strike was intense, causing her to grit her teeth as she struggled to hold the shield in place.
Sonic darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the shockwave as it tore through the ground. With his usual speed and agility, he quickly circled around the Lingering Will, launching into a Homing Attack aimed directly at the armored warrior's side. However, the impact barely made the Lingering Will flinch; it's golden armor absorbed the blow with ease, the force of Sonic's attack dispersing like a pebble thrown against a mountain.
"We need to find an opening, Aqua!" Sonic called out, frustration creeping into his voice. "This guy is tough!"
"Not just tough, Sonic," Aqua replied, her voice laced with tension. "They are relentless. But we can't give up!"
The Lingering Will, unfazed by their efforts, pressed forward, bringing their Keyblade down with a crushing force aimed directly at Sonic. Sonic barely managed to dodge, the ground where he stood moments before cracking under the weight of the attack.
"Is that all you've got?" Sonic taunted, trying to keep the armoured warrior focused on him while Aqua prepared her next move. "We're just getting started!"
The Lingering Will responded with cold precision, their voice resonating with an emotionless determination.
"Your words are meaningless. You are both threats that must be eliminated."
With a cold determination, the Lingering Will raised their Keyblade, initiating the Gauntlet attack. A series of powerful, glowing orbs materialised, each one pulsating with dark energy. The orbs shot out in rapid succession, homing in on Sonic and Aqua with relentless precision.
"Watch out!" Sonic yelled as he quickly darted to the side, using his Quick Step to evade the incoming orbs.
The projectiles zipped past him, one after another, forcing him to stay in constant motion. With a burst of speed, Sonic activated his Boost, weaving through the onslaught of orbs that sought to pin him down.
Aqua, meanwhile, raised her Keyblade and cast Reflect, a shimmering barrier forming around her just in time to deflect several of the orbs. The dark energy bounced off the shield, dissipating harmlessly into the air.
"Sonic, we need to counterattack!" she called out, her voice strained as she maintained her defense.
Realising they needed to turn the tide, Aqua focused her magic and cast Firaga Burst, unleashing a massive explosion of fire that surged toward the Lingering Will. The flames roared as they closed in on the armoured figure, but before they could connect, the Lingering Will activated their Slide Dash. In an instant, they blurred out of the path of the attack, reappearing directly in front of Aqua.
Aqua's eyes widened in shock as the Lingering Will's swift movement caught her off-guard. She barely had time to react as they swung their Keyblade at her, forcing her to leap back, her defenses momentarily faltering.
Seeing the opportunity, Sonic charged up his Spin Dash, the energy building within him as he prepared to strike. With a burst of speed, he launched himself at the Lingering Will, colliding with their side at high velocity. The impact was enough to push the armored figure back slightly, but the victory was short-lived.
The Lingering Will quickly recovered, raising their Keyblade and initiating Magnet Spiral. A powerful magnetic force emanated from the weapon, pulling Sonic in despite his efforts to resist.
"No way!" Sonic gasped as he was yanked off his feet, helplessly drawn toward the Lingering Will.
The armoured figure swung their Keyblade with devastating force, slamming Sonic into the ground with a brutal strike.
"Ugh!" Sonic cried out as the impact left him dazed, his body crumpling to the earth.
"Sonic!" Aqua shouted.
Without hesitation, Aqua rushed forward, her Keyblade at the ready, and cast Curaga over Sonic. A warm, green light enveloped him, mending his injuries and helping him regain his strength.
"Come on, Sonic, you can do this," Aqua urged, her voice filled with determination.
Sonic stirred, the healing magic revitalising him as he pushed himself up, shaking off the disorientation.
"Thanks, Aqua," he said, his voice laced with renewed resolve. "I'm not out of this fight yet."
The Lingering Will remained poised, their Keyblade at the ready, showing no sign of weakening or mercy.
Aqua knew they needed to change tactics if they were to stand a chance against this relentless foe. She took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of her strength, and switched to a more aggressive strategy.
"Let's turn this around!" Aqua called out as she activated Magic Hour.
Aqua's Keyblade glowing with intense energy. She dashed toward the Lingering Will, unleashing a flurry of swift and precise strikes, each one accompanied by bursts of magical energy. The rapid combination of physical and magical attacks forced the Lingering Will to focus on defending, their movements momentarily slowed by the onslaught.
Sensing an opportunity, Aqua raised her Keyblade to the sky.
"Thunder!" She declared loudly.
Aqua cast Thundaga. Lightning crackled and arced from above, striking down with immense power onto the Lingering Will. The armoured figure staggered slightly, the force of the spell creating a brief opening.
"Now's our chance!" Sonic shouted, seizing the moment.
The hedgehog launched into a series of rapid Homing Attacks, each strike landing with pinpoint accuracy. As the Lingering Will tried to recover, Sonic followed up with Sonic Wind, generating sharp blades of wind that whirled around his opponent, attempting to knock them off balance.
Sonic then channeled his energy into his Phantom Rush attack, a high-speed barrage of strikes aimed directly at the Lingering Will. But despite the ferocity of the attacks, the Lingering Will's defence remained unshaken. They blocked each of Sonic's moves with their Keyblade, the sound of metal clashing echoing through the battlefield.
Before Sonic could try and land another blow, the Lingering Will activated Zantetsuken. In an instant, they moved with blinding speed, slashing at Sonic with a deadly precision that was almost impossible to track. Sonic barely managed to twist his body out of the way, the blade grazing him as he dodged, but the attack left him shaken, struggling to maintain his balance.
"Sonic!" Aqua called out.
Desperation fuelled her next move as she cast Time Splicer, attempting to freeze the Lingering Will. The air around them shimmered as the spell took hold, but the Lingering Will's willpower proved too strong. The time magic faltered and dissipated, barely affecting them.
The Lingering Will responded immediately with Rising Sun, launching into the air before diving down with a powerful, fiery slash aimed directly at Aqua. She barely had time to react, raising her Keyblade to block the attack, but the force of it sent her skidding back across the ground, her arms trembling from the impact.
Both Sonic and Aqua were now on the defensive, struggling to keep up with the relentless assault. The Lingering Will, undeterred, pressed on, pushing them to their absolute limits. They were outmatched, but they couldn't afford to give up.
Sensing the moment was ripe, the Lingering Will began to charge up their ultimate move—Terra's Rage. The air around them crackled with energy as they planted their Keyblade into the ground, drawing upon all their remaining power. The earth beneath them trembled, fissures forming as raw energy swirled around the armored figure, growing more intense by the second.
"This isn't good," Sonic muttered, his voice tinged with both awe and fear. The sheer power emanating from the Lingering Will was unlike anything he had ever faced. "Aqua, get ready!"
Aqua nodded, her expression resolute despite the exhaustion etched into her features. She quickly cast Reflect, forming a shimmering barrier around them to shield against the impending onslaught.
"Stay close, Sonic! We have to hold out!"
With a roar, the Lingering Will unleashed Terra's Rage. A devastating series of energy blasts and ground-shattering strikes cascaded towards Sonic and Aqua, the power behind each attack threatening to overwhelm them.
Aqua's Reflect spell held strong, but the relentless barrage of attacks soon began to crack the shield. The ground beneath them splintered and erupted, forcing them to move constantly to avoid being swallowed by the chaos. Despite their combined efforts, the force of the Lingering Will's attack finally broke through, and both Sonic and Aqua were sent flying back, crashing into the hard ground, bruised and exhausted.
As the dust settled, the Lingering Will slowly advanced, their Keyblade poised for the final blow. Sonic and Aqua, struggling to rise, looked up in desperation. It seemed like the end was near.
But just as the Lingering Will prepared to strike, the battlefield was suddenly disrupted by a burst of chaotic energy. Time seemed to slow as the air grew heavy with an ominous presence, and before the Lingering Will could deliver the final blow, a familiar voice echoed through the chaos.
"Chaos Control!"
In an instant, Shadow appeared in front of Sonic and Aqua, using his signature ability to manipulate time and space. His red eyes glowed with intensity as he materialised, his form solidifying infront of his friends and the advancing Lingering Will. The sudden shift in the battlefield left a shockwave of energy rippling through the air, causing the Lingering Will to momentarily hesitate.
"You're not finishing this fight without me," Shadow declared, his voice carrying a calm yet dangerous edge as he stood tall.
"Shadow!" Sonic exclaimed, a mix of relief and surprise in his voice. "About time you showed up. What took you so long?"
Shadow huffed, his expression as stoic as ever.
"I had a few obstacles of my own to deal with. But I'm here now, and we're ending this."
The Lingering Will sensed the darkness that emanated from Shadow.
"Another hedgehog… but one steeped in darkness. You, too, are a threat," it declared.
Shadow's eyes narrowed as he met the Lingering Will's gaze.
"This darkness is a burden," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "But it's also a gift—a gift I'll use to stop you."
As he spoke, a new and startling transformation took place. Shadow's back began to shimmer with dark energy, and suddenly, a pair of black wings with red patterns—Doom Wings—unfurled from his back. The wings stretched out, exuding an aura of both power and menace.
Sonic stared in shock from behind Shadow.
"What the—? " he remarked in disbelief.
Aqua's eyes widened as she recognized the power.
"Shadow, those wings… they're infused with the darkness of Doom you inherited, aren't they?" she questioned.
"Doom?" Sonic echoed in surprise. "Wait a minute, Black Doom?"
The Lingering Will seemed to hesitate, its focus sharpening as it sensed the potent darkness now radiating from Shadow.
"Your power… it is a corruption, an abomination," it scoffed, the words laced with disdain.
Shadow's gaze hardened, the Doom Wings flaring behind him as he took a step forward.
"Call it what you want," he replied coldly, his voice dripping with defiance. "But this 'abomination' is exactly what's going to bring you down."
With Shadow now in the fray, the balance of the battle was about to shift. The Lingering Will now faced a new and unpredictable threat. The battle was far from over, but Sonic and Aqua had gained an ally who just might turn the tide.
Aqua quickly cast Curaga again, the soothing light enveloping her and Sonic, healing their wounds and restoring their strength.
Reinvigorated, they stepped forward, positioning themselves beside Shadow, leaving enough space to avoid the massive Doom Wings now arching menacingly from his back.
Shadow glanced at his two allies, his red eyes blazing with fierce determination. He then turned his gaze back to the Lingering Will, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.
"You wanted a fight," he declared, his voice low and filled with unshakable confidence. "Well, now you've got one. Let's see how you handle this Ultimate Power!"
PART 2 - OUT SOON!